The event was established in 1986, and it was initially called the Summer Trophy. It was given its current title and promoted from Listed to Group 3 status in 1989. For a period it was sponsored by
Burtonwood Brewery, and it was later backed by the property development firm Petros.
The Tote began sponsoring the event in 2007. The Rose of Lancaster Stakes was formerly contested over 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 120 yards. It was cut to its present distance in 2009. The sponsorship of the race was adopted by
Betfred when the company bought the Tote in 2011, and in 2012 it was sponsored by
Victor Chandler International. Betfred took over the sponsorship again from 2013 to 2017. ==Records==